A cleft lip or cleft palate refers to a split in the upper lip or an opening in the roof of the mouth. This condition is one of the most prevalent congenital abnormalities seen in newborns. The development of the lips occurs between the sixth and eighth weeks of pregnancy. A cleft lip arises when the tissue responsible for lip formation fails to fully unite before birth, resulting in an opening in the upper lip.
Symptoms of Cleft Palate
While a split in the lip or palate is usually noticeable at birth, some symptoms may be subtle and go undetected, including:
- Difficulty nursing or drinking from a bottle
- Swallowing challenges
- Speech difficulties
- Developmental issues with teeth
- Ear infections or temporary hearing loss
In some cases, a split in the roof of the mouth may not visibly affect the facial structure.
Types of Cleft Lip
Cleft lip can be categorized into two types: bilateral cleft lip and unilateral cleft lip.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of having a baby with a cleft lip or cleft palate:
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Pre-existing diabetes in the mother
- Use of certain medications in the first trimester of pregnancy
- Maternal obesity
- A family history of cleft lip or palate
Complications
If left untreated, cleft lip or cleft palate can lead to various complications, such as:
- Breathing difficulties in infants
- Impaired dental development
- Speech challenges
- Social, emotional, and behavioral issues stemming from visible disparities
Treatment for Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Addressing cleft lip and palate is crucial for enhancing a child’s ability to eat, speak, and hear, as well as for ensuring a typical facial appearance. Surgical intervention is performed to minimize visible scarring, which may fade over time but may still be somewhat noticeable.
Plastic surgeons will guide parents throughout the surgical process, explaining the procedure and its positive outcomes to help alleviate any insecurities and build the child’s confidence.
During the procedure:
- The child will receive local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
- Ear tubes may be inserted to prevent fluid buildup and potential hearing loss.
- Post-surgery, significant improvements in the child’s appearance, eating, breathing, and speaking abilities will be evident, contributing to a better quality of life.
Important Points to Remember:
- Cleft palate is a treatable deformity managed by a cosmetic surgeon.
- If detected early through ultrasound, cleft palate can sometimes be addressed before birth.
- Delaying surgery for cleft palate can result in speech difficulties as the child grows older.
